BYLAWS OF
Pin Pusher Bowling League
 Article I – Name and Purpose
Section 1 – League Name: The name of the organization shall be Pin Pusher Bowling League. It shall be a non-profit organization. It will be also referred to as “Pin Pushers” and “the League”.
Section 2 – League Purpose: Pin Pushers is organized exclusively for the enjoyment and pleasure of the league members.
Article II – Membership
Section 1 – Eligibility for membership: Any person(s) that would like to join the league may ask any member of a particular team that has a vacant position. If an entire team would like to join, they will need the majority vote of the board of directors to allow entry to the league. We would need to determine if the alley has the available size and if the league is willing to add the new team.
Section 2 – Dues:  The dues will consist of 15 dollars a person per night played. There will be at total of 3 official games a night. If a player gets behind on dues for more than 3 nights for any reason, they are held responsible for these dues and will not be allowed to participate until they have caught themselves within 3 nights of dues. In the event the dues are never collected at the end of the season, they will not be invited back until all dues are caught up. The money lost will be taken from the prize money at the end of the season.
 Section 3 – Resignation: A person or persons may at any time cease their activity in the Pin Pushers league. However, they are responsible for any remaining dues that have not been collected for them for the rest of the season.  If there is a refusal to pay, they will not be invited back until the dues are paid, and that may be in extraordinary situation. The decision will be made by the board of directors.
Section 4 – Bowling Alley: The current bowling alley will be “Miracle Lanes” and will remain “Miracle Lanes” until the board of directors deems this alley inappropriate. At that point another alley will be researched, approved, and established.
Article III – Teams
Section 1 – Team makeup:  All teams will be made up of 4 players. They can be members of any sex or all members of the same sex. The must all be of legal drinking age to avoid any mishaps that could happen at a bowling event.
Section 2 – Team Captain: Each team will elect a team captain. The captain will decided by a majority vote of the team. The captain will serve as the team voice in the event of any issues will occur. These events can be, but are not limited to: scoring disagreements, rule adherence, bowling alley communication. The team captain will also serve as the vote of the team in matters of the board of directors. In the event the captain is not present at a time of need, the present members of the team will decide the voice of the team for the period of time the captain is absent. The term for a team captain is a period of one season and they can be re-elected consecutive years. An active team captain cannot also be an officer of the league. In the event a captain is elected as an officer they must step down from the captain position and a new captain must be elected by the team. The team captain must also verify and sign the other teams score cards. The team captains will be elected by the team the first week in April for the following year and submit the information to the secretary of the league.
Article IV – League Officers
Section 1 – Purpose of the League officers:  The purpose of the league officers will be to run the week to week business of the league. They will be in direct control of interpreting the rules, the league finances, and applying any fees or penalties that may occur. The actual breakdown of each position will follow. Each of the positions will have a one year term and they will not be able to have consecutive terms. The President, Vice President, or Treasurer can never be a member of the same team although the secretary can be on the same team of any other officer. The board of directors shall elect the officers of the league before award distribution at the end of season party.
Section 3 – President:  The league president will act as the manager of the league. They will be responsible for the progress and efficiency of the other league officers. The President must have already served as another officer of the league in order to be eligible for the position. They will be responsible for all league communication. They will distribute the information to the captains of each team. The President will also preside over the board meetings. They must turn over all league records to the newly-elected officer upon election. The President is also charged with updating the IRS with the current their name, address, and other information.
Section 6 – Secretary: The duties of the secretary will include having each member of the league fill out the contact information sheet and keep a running list of all active members. The contact information will be posted online. The secretary shall also keep and track member attendance for each night of bowling. They will keep the current standing sheet and have it for viewing at each night. The secretary will be or appoint a website administrator for posting all related league information on the league website. After the games are played in the night the secretary will collect the scores and calculate the standings to have uploaded to the web site. The secretary will create the league schedule before the start of the year; this will be also displayed on the web site. They will also be in charge of any email distribution list and also keeping logs of the league meetings (if they apply). They must turn over all league records to the newly-elected officer upon election.

Article V – Board of Directors
Section 1 – Purpose of the Board of Directors: The purpose if the board of directors is to act as the governing body of the league. Any official rule changes to the by-laws, major disputes, removal or emergency appointment of a league officer, or any other issue the league officers cannot handle individually should be brought forth to the board of directors. The board of directors will have the sole power to make an immediate decision on any particular matter. Any vacancy of any office shall be filled by the board with the exception of the President; the vice president will fill that vacancy.  
Article VI – League Finances
Section 1 – League Budget: The league income will come from league dues minus the alley fee and the 50/50 collections. The President is solely responsible for the keeping and tracking of all league moneys and on budget. The budget will be listed at the end of this document or online. The amount of money collected may decrease because some players may quit and not pay the dues. All league moneys will stay in the approved bank account until needed by budgetary item.  The budget will be approved each year by the board of directors.
Section 2 – Party Fund: The league budget will allow room for supplementing a Christmas party and Spring Party (end of season). The Christmas Party will be held at the bowling alley and the funds approved can pay to have it catered and/ or pay for prizes for raffles, etc. the amount allotted will come from the budget but will consist of a few hundred dollars. The Spring Party will be held at the decided location and the funds will pay for such things as hall rental, catering, beverages, games, etc. The allotted amount will come from the budget, but will generally be double of what is spent for the Christmas party. The locations and particular allocation of the budgeted funds will be the responsibility of the President and any party committee they assemble. The money that is not spent will return to the account and be added to the pool of money for the prizes.
Section 3 – Prize Money: The prize money will be determined by the budget. However, the amount of income we take in minus the alley dues, minus the party funds will for the most part go to the prize money and spring raffles. There will be a small amount directed to a misc fund for any need. Once you win any prize money due to your scores, your name will be removed from the raffle pool. You must also be present to win a raffle prize.
Section 4 – Budget Template: The budget be decided each year by the Treasurer and approved by the board, but there must be an allocation for each of the following areas: Xmas party, Spring party, 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place, 4th place, Highest game – boy, highest game – girl, Highest series – boy, Highest series – girl, Raffle money, and misc. Majority of at least quorum will be necessary for passing of budget.
Article VII – Game Rules
Section 1 – The Game:
1a. Definition
A game of American tenpins consists of ten (10) frames. A player delivers two balls in each of the first nine frames unless a strike is scored. In the 10th frame, a player delivers three balls if a strike or spare is scored. Every frame must be completed by each player bowling in regular order.
1b. How Scored
Except when a strike is scored, the number of pins knocked down by the player’s first delivery is to be marked next to the small square in the upper right-hand corner of that frame, and the number of pins knocked down by the player’s second delivery is to be marked inside the small square. If none of the standing pins are knocked down by the second delivery in a frame, the score sheet shall be marked with a (-). The count for the two deliveries in the frame shall be recorded immediately.
1c. Strike
A strike is made when the full setup of 10 pins is knocked down with the first delivery in a frame. It is marked by an (x) in the small square in the upper right-hand corner of the frame where it was made. The count for one strike is 10 plus the number of pins knocked down on the player’s next two deliveries.
1d. Double
Two consecutive strikes is a double. The count for the first strike is 20 plus the number of pins knocked down with the first delivery following the second strike.
1e. Triple or Turkey
Three successive strikes is a triple or turkey. The count for the first strike is 30. To bowl the maximum score of 300, the player must bowl 12 strikes in succession.
1f. Spare
A spare is scored when pins left standing after the first delivery are knocked down with the second delivery in that frame. It is marked by a (/) in the small square in the upper right-hand corner of the frame. The count for a spare is 10 plus the number of pins knocked down by the player’s next delivery.
1g. Open
An open is recorded when a player fails to knock down all 10 pins after two deliveries in a frame.
1h. Split
A split is a setup of pins left standing after the first delivery, provided the head pin is down and at least one pin is down:
1.             between two or more standing pins; e.g., 7-9 or 3-10.
2.             Immediately ahead of two or more standing pins; e.g., 5-6.
NOTE: A split is usually designated by a (0), but any other symbol may be used.
Section 2 – Delivering the Ball: A delivery is made when the ball leaves the player’s possession and crosses the foul line into playing territory. Every delivery counts unless a dead ball is declared. A delivery must be made entirely by manual means. No device may be incorporated in or affixed to the ball that detaches on delivery or is a moving part during delivery.
Section 3– Fouls:
3a. Definition
A foul occurs when a part of the player’s body encroaches on or goes beyond the foul line and touches any part of the lane, equipment or building during or after a delivery. A ball is in play after a delivery until the same or another player is on the approach in position to make a succeeding delivery. The certification and inspection committee of a local association can require that the foul line be plainly marked on the walls, posts, division boards or any other structure in a bowling center on a line with the regular foul line. When a foul is recorded the delivery counts, but the player is not credited with any pins knocked down by that delivery
3a/1 What happens when there is a dispute over a foul call?
A provisional ball should be thrown when there is a controversy. A provisional ball or frame shall be bowled when a protest involving a foul, cannot be resolved by the two team captains. When a dispute over a foul occurs, the player shall complete the frame and then bowl one provisional ball. The score sheet or printout and a record of both scores for the frame in which the provisional delivery is made, shall be kept. The protest must be referred to the league’s board of directors for a decision.
3a/2 A player goes over the foul line while retaining possession of the ball. Is this considered a foul?
No, a legal delivery must be executed for a foul to be committed. A legal delivery is made when the ball leaves the player’s possession and crosses the foul line into playing territory.
3a/3 A member of a team crosses onto an adjacent approach when making a delivery. Is this considered a foul?
A foul is not called when a bowler crosses onto an adjoining approach area. However, if the bowler steps over the foul line on that lane, it is considered a foul.
3a/4 Is a foul called when the ball rolls over the foul line during delivery and the foul detector is activated?
The bowling ball is not considered a part of the bowler’s body. If the bowler did not step on or go beyond the foul line, a foul is not recorded.
3b. Deliberate
When a player deliberately fouls to benefit by the calling of a foul, the player shall be credited with zero pin fall for that delivery and not allowed further deliveries in that frame. If questions arise, Rule 10, Provisional Ball, should be followed.
3c. Foul Detection
 In league play, the opposing team captains shall call fouls or a foul judge shall be appointed. Even if foul lights are not available.
3d. Apparent
A foul shall be declared and recorded if the automatic foul detecting device or foul judge fails to call a foul that is apparent to:
1. Both captains, or one or more members of each of the opposing teams, or
2. The official scorer, or
3. A tournament official.
If there is a dispute, refer to Section of the Provisional Ball.
Section 4 – Pin fall:
4a. Legal Pin fall
Pins to be credited to a player following a legal delivery shall include:
1. Pins knocked down or off the lane surface by the ball or another pin.
2. Pins knocked down or off the lane surface by a pin rebounding from a side partition or rear cushion.
3. Pins knocked down or off the lane surface by a pin rebounding from the sweep bar when it is at rest on the pin deck before sweeping dead wood from the pin deck.
4. Pins that lean and touch the kickback or side partition. All such pins are termed dead wood and must be removed before the next delivery.
No pins may be conceded, and only pins actually knocked down or moved entirely off the playing area of the lane surface as a result of a legal delivery may be counted.
4b. Illegal Pin fall
When any of the following occur, the delivery counts but the resulting pin fall does not:
1.             A ball leaves the lane before reaching the pins.
2.             A ball rebounds from the rear cushion.
3.             A pin rebounds after coming in contact with the body, arms or legs of a human pinsetter.
4.             A pin is touched by mechanical pin setting equipment.
5.             Any pin knocked down when dead wood is being removed.
6.             Any pin knocked down by a human pinsetter.
7.             The player commits a foul.
8.             A delivery is made with dead wood on the lane or in the gutter and the ball contacts such dead wood before leaving the lane surface.
9.             A delivery is made with dead wood on the lane or in the gutter, and a pin, after coming into contact with the dead wood, knocks down one or more pins.
If an illegal pin fall occurs and the player is entitled to additional deliveries in the frame, the pin(s) illegally knocked down must be re-spotted where it (they) originally stood before delivery of the ball.
Section 5 – Pins:
5a. Improperly Set: It is each player’s responsibility to determine if a setup is correct. The player shall insist that any pin(s) incorrectly set be re-spotted before delivering the ball, otherwise the setup is deemed to be acceptable. When bowling at a full setup or to make a spare, if it is discovered immediately after the delivery that one or more pins are set improperly, but not missing, the delivery and resulting pin fall count. No change can be made in the position of any pin(s) left standing after the bowler’s first delivery, unless:
1. The pinsetter moved or misplaced any pin(s), or;
2. Any standing pin(s) is (are) outside the range of the sweep bar.
Any such pin(s) will be re-spotted where it (they) originally stood before the delivery.
5b. Rebounding
Pins that rebound and stand on the lane must be counted as standing pins.
5c. Replacement
Should a pin be broken or otherwise badly damaged during the game, it shall be replaced at once by another pin as nearly uniform in weight and condition with the set in use. The league or tournament officials shall determine whether pins shall be replaced.
A broken pin does not change the score made by the bowler. The pins knocked down are counted, after which the broken pin is replaced.

Section 6 - Dead Ball:
 When a dead ball is called, the delivery does not count and the correct pins must be re-spotted. The player is allowed to re-bowl that delivery. A ball shall be declared dead if any of the following occur:
a. After a delivery, attention is immediately called to the fact that one or more pins were missing from the setup.
b. A human pinsetter interferes with any standing pin before the ball reaches the pins.
c. A human pinsetter removes or interferes with any downed pin before it stops rolling.
d. A player bowls on the wrong lane or out of turn, or one player from each team on the pair of lanes bowls on the wrong lane.
e. A player has physical contact with another person or moving object as the ball is being delivered and before delivery is completed. In such case, the player has the option to accept the resulting pin fall or have a dead ball called.
f. Any pin is moved or knocked down as a player delivers the ball but before the ball reaches the pins.
g. A delivered ball comes in contact with a foreign obstacle.
6/1 if an individual bowls out of turn does the delivery count?
No, a dead ball would be declared and the correct bowler is then required to continue play.
6/2 a player made the first delivery when the pin setting machine was set on the second cycle. Seven pins were knocked down and the remaining pins were swept away as the machine reverted to cycle one. Should a dead ball have been declared and the pins reset?
Since the bowler made a legal delivery and the pins were properly set, there would be no basis for declaring the first delivery a dead ball. The three pins left standing would be reset for a second delivery in accordance with Rule 6b.
6/3 on the second delivery, the sweep bar comes down and deflects the ball before it can make contact with the remaining pins. When this happens, what should we do?
According to Rule 8, Item g, a dead ball is declared when a player’s ball comes in contact with any foreign obstacle. The sweep bar is considered a foreign obstacle, and the player is required to have the pin(s) remaining re-spotted and re- bowl the second ball.
Section 7 - Bowling on Wrong Lane:
In league or tournament play, a dead ball shall be called and the player or players required to re-bowl on the correct lane when:
a. One player bowls on the wrong lane.
b. One player from each team on the pair of lanes bowls on the wrong lane.
If more than one player on the same team bowls on the wrong lane in turn, all deliveries stand as bowled. Upon discovery, bowlers shall complete subsequent frames on the correct lanes. In singles match play competition, where a player normally bowls two frames each time it is the player’s turn to bowl, and the player bowls on the wrong lanes, a dead ball shall be called and the player required to re-bowl on the correct lanes, providing the error was discovered before the opposing player has made a delivery.
Otherwise, the score stands as bowled, with all subsequent frames in the game bowled on the correct lanes.
Section 8 - Provisional Ball:
A provisional ball or frame shall be bowled when a protest involving a foul, legal pin fall or a dead ball is made and cannot be resolved by the two team captains or a tournament official.
The following procedures apply when a dispute occurs:
a. For the first ball of any frame, or after the second ball in the 10th frame if the first ball was a strike:
1. Foul: The player shall complete the frame and then bowl one provisional ball at a full setup of pins.
2. Illegal Pin fall: The player shall complete the frame and then bowl one provisional ball at the same setup which would have remained standing had the disputed pin(s) not have fallen.
3. Dead Ball: The player shall complete the frame and then bowl a complete provisional frame.
b. On a spare attempt or the third ball of the 10th frame:
1. Foul and Illegal Pin fall: No provisional ball is necessary.
2. Dead Ball: A provisional ball shall be bowled at the same setup which was standing when the disputed ball was bowled.
The score sheet and a record of both scores for the frame in which the provisional delivery was made shall be kept. The protest must be referred to the league’s board of directors or tournament management for a decision. If they are unable to make a decision, the local association or USBC can be asked for a decision on submission of the facts relating to the protest.

Article VIII – League Rules
Section 1 – Absent Bowlers:  In the event a member of the league cannot make it to one of the nights of bowling, they are allowed 4 games to miss. This includes if they roll off or are absent altogether. If the person rolls off, the scores they made will be used as their own scores. If the person is absent and they have not rolled off, they are to get a score of their average minus 10 pins. Please note this can only occur a combined amount of 4 times. After the player has been absent or rolled off for a combined total of 4 times, they will receive no score for that particular night. The Board reserves the right to make exceptions to this rule in abnormal situations.  The secretary will determine if the 4 absences are there or not.
Section 2 – Tardy Bowlers: In the event a person or a team is late to bowling the other team may wait up until 15 minutes after game time. After a team is 15 minutes late, they will be considered absent and the average minus 10 will be applied to their points, (if they have an available absence remaining (out of 4)) and an absence will be added to the attendance sheet. If the team shows up after the scores are added then they will have to sit the rest of the game and start the next game (if any), the absence will be removed from the attendance sheet (will not be counted as an absence if just tardy) and game will be played as usual.
Section 3 - Forfeit - Delay of Game: No unreasonable delay in the progress of any game is permitted. If a player or team in a league or tournament refuses to proceed with a game after being directed to do so by a league or tournament official, the game shall be declared forfeited. There will be a 15 minute break between each game in the night. After the 15 minutes an official may ask the team to begin bowling if they refuse the forfeit will be applied.
Section 4 – Handicaps: Handicaps will be used to add to the competitiveness of the league. The league will use the 80% standard handicap method that is used at the alley. It is based on the team average vs. an opponent’s team average. The 80% difference between the two averages will determine the handicap of the game. The average will be recalculated at the end of each night we bowl.

Section 5 - Tie Breakers

• All teams tied in the standings will use the following tiebreakers, in order, to determine seeding by most regular season wins. a one game head to head to break tied score.
• 3-way tiebreakers:  When 3 or more teams are tied, all teams will be ranked on the same criteria as opposed to knocking a team out then returning to the top of the tiebreaker list.  Tiebreakers will be applied until all teams that are tied can be ranked using the same criteria. 

Article IX – Amendments
Section 1 – Amending the by-laws: If a person or persons have any type of issue with the by-laws, a person may submit, in writing to the President that they would like this document amended. The amendment will then be addressed at the next Spring Meeting. In the event that the amendment is an emergency the board can vote to have a special meeting about it. An 80% approval by the quorum will be needed to make an amendment to these by-laws.
Article X – Approval
Section 2 – Approving the by-laws: Once we have a final draft of the by-laws we will need a majority vote of members to pass and implement these by-laws. The signature of the members will be taken as an approval vote for that member. Once the majority of the league signs the by-laws they are approved and all members planning to bowl in the league must sign the document. The secretary will be charged with holding this document and distributing copies to all teams. Each new member of the league will need to sign the by-laws before they play.

Created by: D. Crossett 03.18.2010